Thursday, March 3, 2011

5 Day Running Tour of a Super Cool part of the Appalachian Trail

Running the Ridges of the Appalachian Trail

North Carolina and TennesseeDates: May 2 to May 6, 2011Accommodations: CampingStart/End: Johnson City, TNMeeting Place and Time: Johnson City, TN / 8:00 a.m.

Exploring the Balds of North Carolina and Tennessee

Some of the finest open ridge running in the world can be found on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina and Tennessee. Our run will traverse the mile-high open "Balds" for many miles, rarely descending to the scenic valleys below. The trail, following the ridgeline for nearly our entire tour, often passes through scenic meadow and heath balds at places like Hump Mountain, Roan Mountain, Round Bald, Unaka Mountain, Big Bald and the aptly named Beauty Spot. Many Appalachian Trail veterans consider this segment of the Appalachian Trail, with its superb views from treeless meadows above 5,000 feet, to be one of the most beautiful and spectacular segments along the entire 2,178 mile length of the trail. You'll find the trail running sublime as you pass through these open meadows. In short, this is a trail runners paradise!